Page 75 of Cruel Knots

I chuckle. She could keep her leather stuff to herself.

In the end, I decide to choose her recommended sweatshirts and baggy trousers. The fabrics are amazingly comfortable and warm.

A smile lifts the corner of my lips. I’m finally able to put on some clothes that don’t feel suffocating. It’s almost a comfort that Damien and his brothers sliced up the atrocious wedding gown Calum had forced me into.

“Do you mind if I took a shower?” I ask.

A sly grin lifts the corner of her lips. “I did notice you waddling. Never pegged Damien to have such nasty habits as making a mess inside his woman.”

My cheeks burn hot. I’m so embarrassed I can’t look at her straight.

“Damn, you’re cute,” she says, throwing an arm over my shoulder.

Leading me out of the closet, she walks across the vast suite and opens another door. “Have a quick shower because I need one too. It’s disgusting to have those scums’ blood on me.”

“I’ll be quick,” I promise and walk inside the luxurious bathroom. Closing the door behind me, I exhale a long breath.

I’m safe, the thought ricochets around my mind, relaxing me completely. Callum failed to hurt Damien and his siblings. He even failed to get me back under his control.

A smile comes onto my lips. I’m still free of my brother.

Breathing more easily, I look around. Even though the amenities in the bathroom are modern, there’s an underlying touch of a bygone era in every corner.

A large bathtub takes up most of the space. There are paintings of water lilies and mermaids hanging on the walls. Just a look at them tells me they’re ancient and priceless. No modern artist painted such masterpieces these days.

Placing my borrowed clothes on a rack, I hunt for fresh towels.

All the bath products are packed inside mahogany cabinets that line one of the walls. I open a few to locate the towels and come across one that contains a myriad of short daggers and thread-like long needles.

I reach out and pick up a knife. The handle is made of carved ivory. I rotate it in my hand, watching the polished blade reflect beams of light on my face. My finger presses onto the tip lightly. A little more pressure and it’ll pierce through my skin.

I place the knife back. It’ll be useless even if I snuck it out with me. I was never taught to fight.

After rummaging in a few more cabinets, I come across the towels. Grabbing one, I head toward the glass-walled shower stall in the corner.

My bare feet leave crimson stains on the marble tiles. I let the bedsheet covering me fall away and enter the shower stall.

Steamy, hot water pours from the wide faucet, soaking into my sore, exhausted body. I clean between my thighs, reminiscing the explosive moment when Damien came inside me earlier. He’d left me aching with the sweetest, most addictive need.

It’s dangerous to have him come inside me without any protection. Even though my heat is over, I could still get pregnant without being on suppressors and blockers. I don’t know how long I’ll be stuck here, so I have to make sure to get my regular meds.

Warm water runs through the wet tendrils of my hair, soaking into my eyes.

Maybe Lilja can help me, I realize. Even though she’s an alpha and has no such needs, she’s been the only Volkov who’s shown me a shred of kindness here.

Stepping out of the shower, I dry myself and put on the clothes Lilja loaned me. They fit me well and I revel in wearing something that doesn’t make me feel so naked and vulnerable.

“What took you so long?” Lilja asks as soon as I step out of the bathroom. Her gaze roves all over my face before sliding down my body. “You look better though.”

“I feel better.”

“You need shoes,” she comments, noticing my bare feet. “Let me get you a pair of mine and see if they fit.”

“Wait up!” I call after her as she’s about to head into the closet.

“What is it?” she asks curiously.

I move closer to her and almost lean into her. “Can you get me some pills?” I whisper.

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